8/06/2017

The
recordings of Elvis Presley remain as pertinent today as they always have. In fact,
it is likely with each passing year that their importance goes up one more
notch. His position in rock music goes without saying and there are still many
new fans to gain. The release of these informative box sets has shed new light
on one of our greatest performers.

This rootsy original music is the second version of a A Boy From Tupelo-The Complete 1953-1955
Recordings. The three CDs and
booklet capitalizes on his never-ending popularity.

This set puts together all the known existing Elvis Presley
recordings from 1953 through 1955. A massive total of 53 studio takes and 32
live performances are included. These were the Sun Years and there is even cuts
the man paid for himself. At this point that sounds ludicrous but we must
remember he had humble beginnings as most artists did when they first started.
The priceless masters released for Sam Phillips on his iconic Memphis label
feature a treasure trove of outtakes and acetates. This set can claim rights to
the “complete” set of that period. It was a monumental achievement to get all
this music together and remaster it. Some parts are snippets put together piece
by piece.

Something needs to be said for the generous book that is
included with many rare pictures. It is the story behind the music. If you
enjoy reading about the history of this legend then this will be a big plus
while you are listening. The 119 pages come packed with notes on the beginnings
of Elvis and his early career.

The most enjoyable thing for my ears was listening to the
influence of country and blues intersecting with his quickly developing style
and voice. It is simplistic music at times, yet his full-bodied vocals served
as a separate instrument. His contributions were just enough to really
appreciate all the instrumentation as well. You have to keep in mind that
recording was in its infancy in comparison to today’s high-tech tools and
enhancements. His voice was very mature so early on and you could hear how and
why he was a shooting star once his music hit the streets. He went from a
little boy watching the choir at church and trying to sing with them to an
international super star in matter of years. Stories like Elvis are not
something you hear these days and honestly there are not performers like him
around anymore nor anyone to challenge his continuing popularity and legacy. I
am still waiting for that day to arrive although realistically I am not very
confident it will.

There is a lot of music and information to absorb in A Boy From Tupelo-The Complete 1953-1955
Recordings. It is well worth the
price tag if you are Elvis fan or a general music fan curious about the early
career of such a legendary performer. If you listen to the popular genre of
Roots Music you will hear how some of that music started on this set. He laid
down the foundation for so much as so many artists that came after him. Elvis
set many precedents and this music was a real treat when I first heard it. It
can be very special if you are already familiar with his catalog and diverse
career path in recording. Either way, there is a lot to enjoy here for any
music fan or history buff.